Smart Home Integration Specialist Certificate
The primary purpose of this course is to prepare students with the necessary tools for success in the complex technologies of home automation.
The program is separated into seven distinct sections, each focusing on a specific element of smart home technology. These
classes are:
Class SI-351: Building
Integration Specialist, Cost: $1,995
5/3/10-5/14/10
6/1/10-6/11/10 (May 31st Memorial day, class starts
Tuesday)
7/6/10-7/16/10 (July 5th Independence Day observed,
class starts Tuesday)
8/2/10-8/13/10
9/7/10-7/17/10 (Sept. 6th Labor Day, class starts
Tuesday)
Class SI-352: Fundamentals of
Structured Wiring, Cost: $1,995
5/17/10-5/28/10
6/14/10-6/25/10
7/19/10-7/30/10
8/16/10-8/27/10
9/20/10-10/1/10
Class SI-353:
Whole House Audio Technology and Distribution,
Cost: $1,995
5/3/10-5/14/10
6/1/10-6/11/10 (May 31st Memorial day, class starts
Tuesday)
7/6/10-7/16/10 (July 5th Independence Day observed,
class starts Tuesday)
8/2/10-8/13/10
9/7/10-7/17/10 (Sept. 6th Labor Day, class starts
Tuesday)
Class SI-354:
PBX & IP Telecommunications, Cost: $1,995
5/17/10-5/28/10
6/14/10-6/25/10
7/19/10-7/30/10
8/16/10-8/27/10
9/20/10-10/1/10
Class SI-355:
Fiber Optic Technician, Cost: $1,995
5/3/10-5/14/10
6/1/10-6/11/10 (May 31st Memorial day, class starts
Tuesday)
7/6/10-7/16/10 (July 5th Independence Day observed,
class starts Tuesday)
8/2/10-8/13/10
9/7/10-7/17/10 (Sept. 6th Labor Day, class starts
Tuesday)
Class SI-356:
Home Automation and Lighting Controls, Cost $1,995
5/17/10-5/28/10
6/14/10-6/25/10
7/19/10-7/30/10
8/16/10-8/27/10
9/20/10-10/1/10
Class SI-357:
Project Management for Residential Installation,
Cost $1,995
11/17/09-12/1/09
12/ 21/09 – 1/5/09
01/11/10 - 01/22/10
02/08/10 - 02/19/10
03/08/10 - 03/09/10
04/05/10 - 04/16/10
Each class is assessment-based and fulfills elements of
the overall course learning objectives. Students can
select which classes they attend to build their skills in
different areas based upon their prior experiences. The
content covered in the overall program builds to prepare
the student to deal with all of the different scenarios
present in home technology integration, which will allow
them to:
- Develop a solid theory that thoroughly describes typical technology surrounding home automation. In each case, underlying topics are presented as concepts, advanced through actual applications, and presented as they are actually implemented in actual everyday occurrences.
- Practically expand experiences by giving the student practical examples of these theoretical concepts.
- Gain an advanced understanding of the subject area through analysis of the home automation systems that are installed. In these situations, the student must understand how the varying systems are supposed to operate as well as how various malfunctions could alter their operation.
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Class 1: Building Integration Specialist
Class Description
This engaging introduction to the digital home is designed for anyone new to the residential technology industry or interested in the growing market opportunities. Students learn about the capabilities, benefits, and technical infrastructure that deliver the integration of products and services available today and coming tomorrow. A thorough review of the different systems in the digital home is presented, including: Structured Wiring, Communications, Entertainment, Home Networking, Lighting Control, Environment and Energy Management, Security (Protection, Health, and Safety) and Integrated Home Control. This section of the overall program is an orientation to the current state of the industry and the market, as well as the technology subsystems that continue to change the way we live, work, and play.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this section, the student will:
- Be able to provide a definition of home technologies
- Be able to identify typical home technology subsystems
- Be able to identify the players in the home technology industry
- Be able to explain the home technology installation process and identify the different stakeholders in the process
- Be able to describe each of the technology subsystems in a connected home and the benefits they provide
Class Outline
Course Introduction
Introduction to Residential Technologies
The Industry and Market
Benefits of Home Technology
Structured Wiring
Communications
Entertainment
Lighting Control
Environment and Energy Management
Security, Health and Safety
Home Networking
Integrated Home Control
Course Summary
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Class 2: Fundamentals of Structured Wiring
Class Description
This section of the overall program delivers a comprehensive discussion about the foundation of technologies in the home and Structured Wiring. Technical principles, including tools, wiring, components, and outlets, are presented and explained. Detailed systematic design and installation procedures, testing and troubleshooting methods and much more are covered. Packed with information and wisdom that usually takes years to learn, this course is the definitive starting point for new electronic systems technicians.
Prerequisites
Students should have a basic understanding of what residential technologies are and the benefits they provide, but no prior technical knowledge is required.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this section, the student will:
- Be able to define a structured wiring system
- Understand the components of a structured wiring system
- Be able to explain the benefits of a structured wiring system
- Be able to design and document a structured wiring system
- Understand how to pre-wire a structured wiring system
- Understand key safety issues and practices related to installing a structured wiring system
- Understand the concepts and methods needed to test a structured wiring system
Class Outline
- Course Introduction
- Introducing Structured Wiring
- Benefits of Structured Wiring
- Safety, Tools and Standards
- Components of Structured Wiring
- Layout of Structured Wiring
- Installing Structured Wiring
- Terminating Structured Wiring
- Testing Structured Wiring
- Course Summary
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Class 3: Whole House Audio and Video Technology and Distribution
Class Description
Instruction covers key principles of distributed audio including sound technology, source components, distribution equipment, speakers, and control options. Students learn about line level and speaker level signals and wiring, component and speaker selection, impedance, and amplifier/speaker performance calculations. Multi-room music system design steps, installation procedures, and troubleshooting techniques are also discussed in detail.
Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the operation of a basic stereo system and have basic knowledge of structured wiring (see the Fundamentals of Structured Wiring Online Course for more information).
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this section, the student will:
- Understand the four phases involved in installing a whole house audio system in a new construction project
- Know the three phases involved in installing a whole house audio system in a retrofit project
- Know the four steps to follow when planning the installation of the whole house audio system
- Understand the specific steps involved in the pre-wire, trim-out, and final installation phases of installation
Class Outline
Course Information
Introducing Whole House Audio Systems
Benefits of Whole House Audio Systems
Safety, Tools and Standards
The Basics of Sound
Whole House Audio System Components and Speakers
Amplifier Performance Fundamentals
Audio System Wiring
Volume and Keypad Controls
Designing a Whole House Audio System
Installing a Whole House Audio System
Troubleshooting Whole House Audio
Course Summary
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Class 4: PBX &
IP Telecommunications
Class Description
This class reviews telecommunications systems for the home and their functions, operations, and characteristics. It covers how to integrate a home telecommunications system into its control and data networks. Other than meeting the client’s needs, the class focuses on design considerations for integrating telephone system wiring into existing structured wiring, data network and other whole house systems. Further, it reviews design and installation considerations for both standard phone lines and an automated phone system. In this class the student will learn to diagnose, troubleshoot, isolate and resolve problems on a home’s communication system. The student will focus on identifying issues common to home communication systems and the methods and equipment used to quickly resolve them. Although in a structured wiring environment many of the troubleshooting processes are the same for all systems in a home, the student will need to differentiate which method to use to identify and isolate each type of problem.
Prerequisites
Students should have basic knowledge of structured wiring (see the Fundamentals of Structured Wiring Online Course for more information).
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this section, the student will:
- Be able to identify characteristics of a home telecommunication system
- Understand telephone operations and fundamentals
- Understand intercom operations and fundamentals
- Understand telephone and network integration
- Be able to identify telecommunication system service options
- Understand residential telephone design considerations
- Be able to identify standard phone line installation hardware and termination points
- Be able to identify telephone system installation hardware and termination points
- Understand intercom installation
- Be able to identify common voice communication system problems
- Understand how to troubleshoot telephone system problems
- Be able to identify communication system troubleshooting tools
- Understand how to test communications cabling
Class Outline
- Introduction
- Telecommunications basics
- Intercom systems
- Residential telephone systems design
- Standard phone line installation
- Installing a KSU telephone system
- Installing an intercom
- Wiring issues
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Class 5: Fiber
Optic Technician
Class Description
This comprehensive and easy-to-understand course on computer networking is designed specifically around the home network as the backbone providing computer sharing, Internet access and connectivity between technology subsystems in the home. Topics presented include wiring, components, network devices, cabling, TCP/IP concepts, and IP addressing. Systematic design and installation procedures, router configuration, operating system set up and network security practices are presented clearly. Implementing wireless networks, testing and troubleshooting methodologies are discussed in further detail. This course was written for the amateur – not the computer geek!
Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the operation of a computer and have basic knowledge of structured wiring (see the Fundamentals of Structured Wiring Online Course for more information).
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this section, the student will:
- Understand the benefits of home networking
- Understand the technology fundamentals of a home network
- Know what to ask the clients and the elements of a design plan
- Understand how to install and configure a home network
- Understand the basics of network security
- Understand basic testing and troubleshooting techniques
Class Outline
Course Information
Introducing Home Networking
Benefits of a Home Network
Safety, Tools and Standards
Home Networking Technology
Components and Network Devices
Understanding TCP/IP
Designing a Home Network
Installing a Home Network
Configuring and Managing the Router
Configuring Operating Systems and Computers
Connecting Network Devices
Securing the Home Network
Troubleshooting the Home Network
Course Summary
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Class 6: Home
Automation and Lighting Controls
Class Description
The next big trend in home technology and “Going Green” is lighting control. This section delivers a solid foundation from benefits to advanced technology concepts to implementation. Topics include lighting fixtures, lamp types, wiring, switching, dimming, control devices, important safety considerations, industry standards, and electrical codes. Methods of control presented include wired, wireless, PLC (Power Line Control), Zigbee, Z-Wave, proprietary and more. Students learn detailed design steps, installation procedures, and programming features for a successful installation. Testing and troubleshooting methodologies are discussed to confirm performance of lighting control systems.
Prerequisites
Students should have a basic understanding of electrical principles to get maximum benefit from this course. Note: This course is not designed to prepare a student to work as an electrician or to work with high voltages – always work with a licensed electrician when dealing with high voltages.
Learning Objectives
After taking this section, the student will be able to:
- Explain the technology principles of lighting control
- List the benefits of lighting control
- Identify methods of switching, dimming, and control
- Name different lighting, fixture, and lamp types
- Explain different methods of lighting control
- List the steps to design a lighting control system
- List the steps to install a lighting control system
- Explain how to program a lighting control system
- Identify different lighting control troubleshooting techniques
Class Outline
Course Introduction
Principles of Lighting Control
Benefits of Lighting Control
Safety and Tools
Electrical Wiring, Switching, and Dimming
Lighting Fixture and Lamp Types
Lighting Control Devices
Lighting Control Communication
Designing a Lighting Control System
Installing a Lighting Control System
Programming a Lighting Control System
Troubleshooting a Lighting Control System
Course Summary
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Class 7: Project Management for Residential Installation
Class Description
This course teaches the skills necessary for any installation company to implement a successful project management system; from the sales process through design, installation, and follow-up visits. Procedures, forms and documents to get organized and in control of projects and processes are shared and a Case Study demonstrates the use of these forms throughout all phases of a project. Designed for company owners, project managers and individuals involved in installation projects of all sizes, students learn how to streamline operations, increase efficiency and master project management. This section includes the online curriculum, full-color printed Course Guide and the Project Management Standardized Forms CD with 70+ customizable Microsoft Word™, Excel™ and Visio™ files.
Prerequisites
No previous project management experience is required, though an understanding of the industry is recommended (see the Introduction to Residential Technologies Online Course for more information). This section is for company owners, project managers and individuals involved in installation projects of all sizes and want to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and become masters at project management.
Learning Objectives
After taking this section, the student will be able to:
- Explain an overview and benefits of project management and identify the phases, work flow, and tasks of a project
- Describe the processes and procedures of project management and be able to use forms and documents to control projects
- Implement tools to help manage and control a project from start to finish, including the budget, purchasing, change orders, and documentation
Class Outline -
Course Information
Overview of Project Management
Benefits of a Project Management System
Tools of Project Management
Flow Charts
Administration Forms
Design Worksheets
Documentation Drawings
Installation Support Documents
Installation Work Organization
Sales Process
Case Study: Project Set-Up
Case Study: Pre-Wire
Case Study: Trim-Out
Case Study: Final Installation
Client Support and Documentation
Financial Management
Course Summary
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